I was looking through my list of things to do and I started wondering about whether or not I really need to have two oil coolers like on an R1/R2. My car will always be a street car with some future trips to the track (hopefully), so I don't really see the need for me to use my money on an extra oil cooler if I'm not always doing heavy track runs, races, etc. Or perhaps it is just one of those things that gives you extra peace of mind or insurance while you're driving around in hot weather. Please give me some advice on this matter. Thanks!

 

heh maybe install a oil temp gauge first to see how hot your oil gets, then decide whether or not to upgrade.

http://www.crookedwillow.com/
crookwillow makes a dual cooler kit, but it's close to $1000

 

$1000! Yikes! I can't even start to think of all the things I could buy with that much dough. But I'm getting gauges soon so I will check out my oil temps! Thanks!

 

I also think it would be a good idea to get a gauge first, considering your usage of the car.

I made a web page with more info about the CWR kit:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/parts_i...lers/index.htm

-Max

 

A better cooling bang for the buck would be an upgraded radiator. Try that first. This is responsible for about 70% of your cooling. You did not list your mods if you have any. If you can do it in your area, get rid of that precat and install a downpipe. This has helped alot.

 

My god the dp decreased my engine bay tempeture big time!!! I couldnt believe how much it helped. Maybe my precat was clogged like john goodmans arteries!!! Damn it was a big suprise to say the least!

 

BTW, I know someone who had the crooked willow kit and it spilled all over the track while he was running it. I do not know whether it was the quality of the product or the quality of the install but just keep that in mind. Personally, I'd get something from japan or get the oem r1 one. If you are going to drive your car on the street maybe you don't even need an extra one

 

For everyday street driving I would add a second oil cooler from a R1,R2.I own a 94 R2 and I cleaned and straitened the fins on both coolers plus I added duct tape above the cooler on the passenger side and sealed out any leaks so all airflow goes threw.And after installing a oil temp guage I was surprised how good the stock oil coolers worked.My lowest temp at idle hot 182F hightest temp was 197F thats about ideal temp range.I also have a upgraded rad which probably helps lower temps.

 

Yeah, I know about everything else. I just wanted to be sure that it was ok for me to scratch this upgrade off of my 'list' of mods. It's too long already! Need to take even more stuff off if you ask me!

 

Get the big kit from the RX-7 store. Damn they are big!!!

 

CPA says that radiators cool up to 70% of the engine, I thought that the oil coolers cooled 70%. Which one cools the most. Which one should be replaced first?

 

my dp worked pretty good at cooling down my temp.

 

The radiator does more cooling, and I too have heard the 70/30 split.

I know at least one person that has had the *stock* oil line dump oil and kill the motor. I had a fitting come loose (and cause a slight leak) on the Crooked Willow kit a few times after a rebuild, but I tightened it well and it has not leaked since. I've been running the Crooked Willow kit for two years and about 20-25K miles. My opinion is that it is reliable when installed properly.

-Max

 

Hey, do you mean M.A.? I was at Buttonwillow when his car was leaking, but as I recall at the track he could not tell where the leak was coming from. Can you get him to post about where the leak was and what caused it?

 

Max Cooper

I was wondering if you have an upgraded radiator too. I am considering the Crooked Willow oil cooler kit in addition to the radiator. I primarily use my car at the track but drive around town one every week or two. Ya know just to keep the juices flowing. Button Willow and Willow Springs can get right hot in the summer so cooling is a concern for me. Hell I guess the California Speedway can get pretty hot too.

 

living in cali i suggest you get a nice fluidyne radiator...i'm wondering if we can get a group buy or something on it. Since it is summer now and the so cal guys are frying (i know i am)

 

DAMN! You can go to summit racing and make your own kit for about $350. That includes the oil cooler that's 2 1/2 x the size of the stock one, plus -12 lines and -an fittings.

 

yes but the ducts that come with the kit are one of the best points... that and the mocal coolers. I doubt you would be able to get the coolers and have ducts made for less.

Matt

 

I think I'll fabricate something to save $650. This will probably be my next "investment" since I'm seeing higher oil temps than normal too.

 

for just street use, no 2nd oil cooler or big rad is needed, just lower fan kick-in temp and better rad sealing. for the 'driver-ed' track, a well sealed fluidyne is needed.

1 healthy oem o/c, with improved sealing, is ok for very limited driver-ed type events ... oil change before and aft. for lots of track use, the cwc duals with perfect ducts is the way to go, but their single may be good enough, if still available.

wish the cwc single was 24 row vs 20. single design has less 100+ psi hoses all over, and frees up the right duct for intake use.